A 69-year-old US Army veteran, Kerry Sheron, died days after being attacked outside his Escondido home in southern California. Police responded to a reported assault on 20 May and found Sheron badly injured along with a bystander who was hurt after intervening. Authorities arrested Thomas Butler, 32, shortly afterward after searching the area. Prosecutors said the violence was unprovoked and involved a single punch to the jaw followed by additional hits to the head area, requiring hospital transport. Investigators said the motive was still under investigation and had no information indicating political motivation. Sheron’s family and some officials described the attack as brutal and linked it to his political support, while Butler faces charges including attempted murder, elder abuse, and battery and is held in custody pending a court appearance on 3 June.
"Authorities confirmed on Monday that Kerry Sheron, a 69-year-old US army veteran, died days after he was attacked on Wednesday outside his home in Escondido. Police have arrested Thomas Butler, a 32-year-old who media outlets have identified as a navy veteran, on multiple charges including attempted murder, elder abuse and battery. Officers were called to the street where Sheron lived for a reported assault on the afternoon of 20 May and came upon a badly injured Sheron as well as a bystander who was injured after intervening, according to a report from Military.com."
"Ross Garcia, a deputy district attorney, said the violence against Sheron was unprovoked, CBS8 reported. It was a single punch to the jaw. The victim then falls to the floor, and there are subsequent hits to the victim's head area, requiring the victim to be transported to the hospital, Garcia said. Law enforcement have told media the motive is still under investigation but that investigators do not yet have information suggesting the incident was politically motivated."
"Sheron's family has described it as a brutal and unprovoked attack. The incident has sparked outrage, and Sheron's wife and some public officials have suggested it was a result of his political beliefs. Brian Jones, California's Senate minority leader from San Diego, called Sheron's death unconscionable and said he was ruthlessly murdered because of his support freedom, patriotism, and our president. It was callous and it was evil. To kill an elderly man over his political beliefs is not only heartbreaking, it is un-American to its core, Jones said in a statement."
"The San Diego district attorney's office said that Butler will return to court on 3 June and is currently in custody."
Read at www.theguardian.com
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